Beyond The Stars (UNDER REVISION)

Punishment

I examine the healing wound on my thigh. It itches. I stand off my bed and drop my dress. As I step, the grey fabric flows against my ankles. I heard Odin's order, but I need to be there. I turn myself invisible and run to the throne room. The sounds of the chains alert me of Loki's arrival. I watch as the man I care for is lead into the room. "Loki..." Frigga softly says.

"Hello, mother. Have I made you proud?"

The regret I saw in his eyes in New York is completely gone. "Please, don't make this worse."

"Define worse."

"Enough! I will speak to the prisoner alone." Frigga turns to leave, but notices my invisible form. She feels me. I hold my finger, asking her to be silent. She nods softly and continues to leave. I return to my crouched position behind the pillar.

Loki steps forward and then dramatic clicks his heels. He let's out a laugh. "I really don't get what all of the fuss is about."

"Do you not truly feel the gravity of your crimes? Wherever you go, there is war, ruin, and death."

"I went down to Midgard to rule the people of Earth as a benevolent God. Just like you."

"We are not God's. We're born, we live, we die. Just as humans do."

"Give or take five thousand years." I want to roll my eyes, but I'm too worried, too focused.

"All this because Loki desires a throne."

Loki rases his voice. "It is my birthright."

"Your birthright... Was too die!" I jump at Odin's yelling. "As a child. Cast out onto a frozen rock. If I had not taken you in, you would not be here now to hate me."

"If I am for the axe, then for mercy's sake, just swing it." This causes my heart to drop. "It's not that I don't love our little talks, it's just... I don't love them."

"Frigga is the only reason you're still alive. And you'll never see her again. You'll spend the rest of your days in the dungeons."

Loki looks shaken. "And what if Thor? You'll make that witless oaf king while I rot in chains?"

"Thor must strive to undo the damage you've done. He will bring order to the 9 realms and then, yes, he will be king."

I follow Loki as he's led into the dungeons.

I pace around my room, thinking. I want to visit Loki, but after what he's done, I don't know if I can. I take a deep breath and decide to go talk to someone much wiser than myself. Using the magic I was taught, I change from my Midgardian pajamas into the long, royal blue dress. When I reach the gold room, I sigh at my friend. "Ah, Dri."

"Hey, Heimdall." I sit on the stairs.

"You seem troubled." He stands next to me, looking out into space.

I nod softly, biting my lip. "I miss him... He's not himself, Heimdall."

"I know what you are feeling hurts."

"But it doesn't. Yeah, I feel betrayed, but I'm just... Numb..."

He sighs and closes his eyes. "Would you like to know something?"

"Depends."

"It's about your parents."

I scoff. "Stephanie and Charles?"

"No. Iver and Asta."

"Asta..." I repeat softly. I've never heard my mother's name before.

"They were good friends of mine. Your mother was training to take my place, you know." He steps back from the sword and walks over to me. "Very few are born with this gift. Your mother was one of them."